Russia marks Orthodox Christmas Day on 7 January according to the Julian calendar (and for some this is also a time for fortune telling).

More than 130billion roubles invested in special gambling zone to lure wealthy Asian tourists to Russia, complete with its own beach, marina and ski area.

The 25 metre tall tree in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk burns to ashes in minutes as fireworks usher in 2018 across Russia.

Locals get time off week for rare visit to the beach.

Old Soviet resorts to be restored for new generation of visitors.

Revamped airfields on target in key Siberian locations as military is boosted in energy-rich region.

Place your bets as Russia takes on Macau and Las Vegas to woo Pacific gamblers.

Focus placed on the Far East of Russia, with duty-free zone, tax incentives, and lower costs for ships.